Administrative assistants provide a variety of support functions for a company. The skills required to do the job effectively are varied and complex, and include a balance of technical skills and interpersonal, or "soft," skills. Yet administrative assistants are easily overlooked by employers when planning training programs, particularly when it comes to soft skills.

Assertiveness and Confidence

Administrative assistants need to work with people at all levels of the business. This often includes dealing with difficult people and situations, so assertiveness and confidence are important soft skills. An administrative assistant who is assertive and confident can take control of difficult situations, resolve problems quickly and efficiently, and maintain excellent working relationships. Training in assertiveness and confidence can transform the way administrative assistants see themselves in relation to their colleagues, how they relate to others, and how they perform their jobs. They learn to recognize the difference between aggressive, passive and assertive behavior and also how to project their own sense of self-worth and professionalism.

Time Management

The role of an administrative assistant may encompass a wide range of duties, from preparing financial reports to organizing documents. Learning to prioritize the workload and how to juggle different time-sensitive tasks is a vital part of any training program, especially when there is minimal supervision. Not only is it important to have a good grasp of time management for productivity, it is also vital for managing personal stress. A time management training course would cover how to plan, prioritize, deal with procrastination and minimize interruptions. It would also cover managing personal time and reducing stress.

Communication and Listening

In many cases, administrative assistants are on the front lines of public contact. The administrative assistant needs to be able to liaise with diplomacy, and to listen effectively to instructions and customer needs. Whether communicating face-to-face, on the telephone or in writing by letter or e-mail, this needs to be done professionally, concisely and accurately. Training should be provided in the areas of communication and active listening, with an emphasis on telephone skills, business writing, negotiating, and dealing with difficult people.

Teamwork

Being an administrative assistant is about supporting others. You not only need to know who you directly report to and work alongside, but also who the job supports. Training in teamwork enables the administrative assistant to understand the basic concept of how a group of people can work toward the same goals. She can then identify how her job contributes to the achievement of the team and overall business goals. Once this makes sense, it is easier to take ownership of the job and develop professionally.

About the Author

Shelagh Dillon has extensive experience gained from more than 34 years in business, human resources, training and personal development. Beginning her professional writing career in 2007 for her own website and blog, she has since been published in the "Edinburgh Evening News" and written extensively for various websites.